ALAMO LAKE STATE PARK
Alamo Lake State Park holds the potential to produce epic springtime largemouth bass fishing memories amid gorgeous Sonoran Desert wildflowers. The bass here typically begin to spawn when lake surface temperature hits 65 degrees, so keep an eye on the weather and hope for a warming trend. The park rangers are always happy to take a call to relay current fishing conditions.
Arizona’s premier bass fishing destination is also a great place to see wintering birds and resident Sonoran Desert wildlife during a trip to the park.
Another aspect of this park is its clear night skies. Because this park is so remote, the stars, the moon, and other celestial points of interest can be seen very readily, especially with the aid of actual astronomy telescopes!
GRANITE MOUNTAIN HOTSHOTS MEMORIAL STATE PARK
Granite Mountain Hotshots Memorial State Park was dedicated as a memorial to the 19 Granite Mountain
Hotshots who perished in June of 2013 while battling the Yarnell Hill Fire. These two trails complete the seven-mile network within the park and offer very unique experiences for those that venture to the park and pay tribute to the brave men honored there.
The Hotshots Trail is an interpretive one-way adventure that is sure to evoke emotion. As hikers make their way through the Weaver Mountains while admiring the beauty that surrounds them, they will encounter 200+ stairs carved from the surrounding rock, interpretive signs, benches, and 19 memorial plaques. The plaques are set into rocks and share a photo and a story of each fallen Hotshot. Four interpretive signs paired with memorial benches provide information about the dangers and benefits of wildland firefighting.
The Journey Trail allows you to follow the last steps of the Hotshots down to where they made their last stand. Encircling the fatality site, 19 gabion baskets, one for each Hotshot, are united by chains representing their eternal team. A short path surrounds the gabions and the nearby memorial flagpole.
Although many visitors choose to walk the trail on their own, seasonal park rangers are available at the trailhead and will lead walks along the trail if requested.
Website: azstateparks.com
JOSHUA FOREST
One of the largest remaining Joshua tree stands is found 30 miles northwest of Wickenburg on Highway 93. It provides springtime visitors with a breathtaking sight of trees in bloom.
ROBSON’S MINING WORLD
Hours: Open 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM, closed Wednesdays
Wander through the beautifully restored ghost town known as Robson’s Mining World. Additional information can be found on the website.
Website: westerndestinations.com
YARNELL SHRINE OF ST. JOSEPH
Located just up the road 25 miles in the little town of Yarnell, the shrine contains statues and plaques following the Stations of the Cross. Once in downtown Yarnell, watch for signs off of Highway 89.
